Grantville

11 March 2008 — 11:00am

GrantvilleSmall town on the shore of Westernport Grantville is a small township of some 320 people located 103 km south-south-east of Melbourne 500 m from the eastern shore of Westernport. Grantville was once a supply port for the settlers in the adjacent hill country and a timber town with four sawmills linked by tramway to the jetty from whence the timber was shipped to Melbourne. The town's old mechanics' institute (1888) remains from the 19th century and the cemetery contains some historic tombstones.

The settlement was named after Lieutenant James Grant who, in 1801, made the first-known east-bound passage through Bass Strait followed by the first European survey of the coast between Wilsons Promontory and Westernport.

Sand is now mined in the area for use in ready-made concrete and, in this way, a small part of Grantville has ended up in the concrete bridge that connects San Remo and Phillip Island.

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Grantville has a small shopping centre, a foreshore caravan park, bed and breakfasts, a bakery and shops selling antiques and bric-a-brac. At the end of Pier St are a jetty, boat ramp, toilets and a picnic area with barbecue facilities. A variety market is held on the fourth Sunday of each month on the Bass Highway. Bushland around Granville has over 54 species of native orchids which provide a great drawcard for people all over the world who are interested in native plant species. the ecological values of bushland are also highlighted on the 200 acre Freeranger Egg farm - the only accredited free range farm in Bass Coast Shire.

Things to see:

Maru Crafts and Fauna Park Maru Crafts and Fauna Park, on the Bass Highway, has such Australian fauna as koalas, emus, dingoes and crocodiles. There is the opportunity to hand-feed kangaroos and have your photograph taken with a wombat. Other attractions include an animal nursery for children, mini-golf,a gallery selling local handicrafts, a gift shop, a bar, a picnic area and a cafe selling Devonshire teas. It is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to dusk, tel: (03) 5678 8548.

Australia Swings Australia Swings is a mini-golf complex featuring elaborate themes around each hole, based on Australian history and the Australian landscape.

The Gurdies Winery The Gurdies Winery, established in 1982, is located 2 km off the Bass Highway at 215 St Helier Road. It produces cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, riesling, chardonnay, shiraz, merlot and fortified wines. The cellar door is open from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. daily. There are picnic and barbecue facilities and impressive views of Westernport, tel: (03) 5997 6208, or fax: (03) 5997 6511, or email them at sales@thegurdieswinery.com.au.

Ramsay's Vin Rose Winery Located at 30 St Helier Rd, Ramsay's produces boht red and white wines. The grounds feature a rose garden and fine views of Westernport. The cellar door is open Wednesday to Monday from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m. in the summer and from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. in the winter, tel: (03) 5997 6531, or fax: (03) 5997 6158.